Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 542, Nathan Felch, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Felch Nathan Sally
N 542
B.L.H. 7443-160-55
CONTENTS

Vermont 18.958
Nathan Welch
of Windsp in the State of Vermont who was a in the Company commanded by Captain Sprague of the Regt commanded by Col May in the - Mass - line for
20. No 10 as per $57.77
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 3 Dollars 75 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of Jan 1833 C. Goodridge Esq. Windsor Vt.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 - 159.42 Pension allowance ending 4th Oct '34 - 33, 88 3/4
$ 203.30 1/2
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by J. S. Sprague Clerk, Book C Vol. 3 Page 65
Rufus Buck Oct 14 1852

Declaration of Nathan Felch
State of Vermont } County of Windsor } fs. . . . District of Windsor fs.
On this sixth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared before the Probate Court for the District of Windsor in the state of Vermont in open court Nathan Felch a resident of Windsor in the County (and District) of Windsor and state of Vermont aged seventy eight forty four years and upwards, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 — That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy five with Capt — Sprague and served in the Regiment of the Massachusetts line commanded by Col. . . Thayer under the following named officers;
At Reading in the County of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts, in the night, towards morning, of the 19 th day of April 1775, an alarm was made that the British were coming into the country. The minute companies immediately assembled and started just after day break — The company in which the declarant was, was not a minute company, but collected and he went with them. When they reached Woburn, the company in that place joined them — Thence they marched through Braford to Concord. As they entered Concord, before noon the British appeared at some distance on an "angling road;" they were then returning.

from Concord, and discharged some guns at the Reaching companies. But they continued to retreat, and the Americans followed on their flanks, picking off one and an other, until they reached Lexington when Col. Smith was reinforced by Col. Percy - The declarant with the rest followed the British to within two miles, perhaps, of Charlestown "The British stayed that night on Bunker Hill". He returned that night, but part of his company remained at Cambridge, to which place he went down, next day, and joined. He remained at Cambridge for a few days, and until, in the same April, he enlisted, for eight months, as a private into Capt. ... Sprague's Company in the Regiment commanded by Col. ... Thayer, Continental line, although his company and two others, under Capt. Richard Dodge, acting as Major, did not join the body of the Regiment, but were stationed in Chelsea. The name of the 1 st Lieut. of his company was Thomas Cheever, the name of the 2 d was ... Oliver. He remained during his whole term at Chelsea with the same three companies; one under Capt. Barnabas Dodge - one under the said Richard Dodge and one under said Sprague - Richard Dodge acting Major, and was discharged, without a written discharge sometime in December, having served out his time, and returned home. He was so situated as to see the British go over to Charlestown at the battle of Bunker Hill, but his company and the other two were separated from Charlestown by water; there was then no bridge there.
The said Nathan Fitch further declares that, at Reaching aforesaid, in the month of December 1776, but on what day he does not remember, he enlisted in the militia service for three months, into the company of Capt. Abraham Gould, in the Regiment commanded by Col. ... Thatcher, Gen. Lincoln's Brigade - At this time "the army was very thin; the year's men's times was out and they hadn't got many left, but was trying to raise for three years and during the war" 3 -

Cowdry was his first Lieut. — he cannot recollect the names of the other officers of his company — The other officers of the Regiment were Lt. Col. ... Howe, and Major Joseph Bryant — After his enlistment, the Regt. assembled, and soon marched through Roxbury, Wrentham, and other towns, to Providence, Rhode Island where his regiment joined the brigade, where he remained but a few days, as he thinks — Thence he marched by Norwich and Hartford to Danbury, in Connecticut. They halted a short time at Danbury, and thence marched to White Plains, where they were stationed about a week. Thence they marched to Tarrytown and there remained a week — From Tarrytown, the brigade was marched, in the night, seventeen miles to the neighborhood of Fort Independence, a British post, near Kingsbridge, with a view to take it. On the march, a deserter from the Americans entered the Fort and gave them information of the intended attack. They reached the Fort about day break — Just as they got there Gen. Heath's Brigade came up and joined, but no attack was made, for the reason, as he understood, the General concluded that if they stormed and took the Fort, it would be commanded by Fort Washington on York Island. But they took a small redoubt within gun-shot of the Fort, and a number of field pieces and other things. His Brigade remained here, a little distance from the Fort, in rough huts temporarily made up "of rails and such stuff as they could get" for about a fortnight, only once in the time they removed for a day or two to "Mile square" on account of a heavy rain which thin huts did not protect them against, and when the rain was over, went back to the huts. Then there came news that the enemy were coming up North River to cut 'em off, and about nine o'clock in the evening, the troops marched off to Tarrytown. From Tarrytown, his regiment alone was ordered to "the Jerseys" and they marched down to King's Ferry, about 4 miles

A # R . . . . . B. 1 below Pichskill, and there crossed the river and marched, around, by the highlands, into "the forays" to a place called Roanbeck, between Bridgetown and Woodbridge. The British were then laying in Amboy which adjoined Woodbridge. The continental troops were there, the nearest of them, at Westminster, about three miles back of his Regiment. Here he remained under orders to retreat fighting if the enemy came out, but the British did not come out until the very morning his time was out. A tory went to the enemy and told them "the Americans time was out" and they had "returned in all their power"; but they had not, as "the enemy found out", for about day break, the British came out in two parties, but finding the ammunition of the Americans had not been returned, they retreated, and the declarants regiment followed them as much as eight miles into Woodbridge when the enemy being reinforced by some field pieces and men, the Americans returned to their quarters, where in the mean time, Gen. Maxfield with 30 or 40 light horse had arrived from the continental camp. This day which was in March 1777, he was discharged having served out his three months and immediately returned home. During this term he did not see any continental regiments, nor their officers, except said Gen. Maxfield and his Aid -
The said Nathan Fitch further declares that in May 1778 on what day he has forgotten, he enlisted, at said Reading, for nine months "in the continental army" and went to Concord Massachusetts and passed muster. From Concord he was sent home to remain until called for - About the first day of June, he received orders to be at Concord, and to that place he immediately repaired; and from Concord marched with other recruits, to Fishkill N. York, a few miles above West Point. At Fishkill, they were put part under Capt. . . . Standish and served as a guard, and once he went down to West Point to carry some prisoners. He remained at Fishkill not far from six weeks

as he thinks, and then they were ordered to White Plains, where he was entered in Capt. ... Sumner's Company in Col. ... Grayson's regiment. Here he remained stationed; but once a large part of the army moved into Connecticut a short time and then came back to the "Plains". He cannot recollect the name of the place in Connecticut, to which they went. The latter part of his time, but how great a portion of it he has forgotten, he drove an ammunition waggon and was in that duty when he was discharged, which was sometime in February 1779. He does not remember that he had a written discharge. If he had, it has been long lost. He does not remember the names of many of the officers - Gen. Greene was there some of the time. There was also one by the name of Turner, Deputy-Waggon-Master-General; also Col. Saml. Pickering.
He was born at Reading Massachusetts April twenty fifth one thousand seven hundred and fifty eight. There is as he believes, a record of his age in Reading Massachusetts but whether it is a town record, or church record of his baptism, he cannot certainly say - He has no documentary evidence of his service.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
He states the names of Abel Gilson-Junior, and Rufus Root Esq rs as persons, to whom he is known in his present neighbourhood, and who can testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services, as a Soldier of the Revolution. -
Nathan Leland
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. -
Isaac Proctor Judge

1 1/2 R 1 1/2 R 1 We Abel Gilson, junior, of Reading in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, and residing in said town of Reading, and Rufus Root, residing in the town of Windsor in the County, and State aforesaid, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Nathan Fitch, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy four years of age, and upwards; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood, where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and, that we concur in that opinion. —
Abel Gilson Jr Rufus Root
Sworn to, and subscribed; the day, and year aforesaid. —
Jabez Proctor Judge
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served, as he states. And the Court certifies, that it appears to them, that Abel Gilson, Jr. who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident in the Town of Reading, in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, and, that Rufus Root, who has also signed the same, is a resident in the Town of Windsor, in the County and State aforesaid, are credible persons, and, that their statement is entitled to credit.
Jabez Proctor Judge

I Reuben Washburn, Register of the Probate Court within and for the District of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Nathan Fletcher for a Pension.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, this sixth day of September in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight Hundred and thirty two.
Reuben Washburn. —

1864
Mrs. Mary Felch widow of Nathan Felch
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 63 Dollars 75 Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
3 rd February 1853 Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of Sept r 1853 and sent to
J. L. Hawthorne Redding Vermont
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 20, 1848 , Page 27 Vol. A
Feby 3 rd 1853
1832
Off.

Sally Fletcher Claim Under Act Feb. 3 d 1853-
J. D. Hawkins Atty Reading Vermont

STATE OF VERMONT, Windsor Probate DISTRICT, County of Windsor —
On this twentieth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and fifty three, personally appeared before the Hon. the Probate Court for the District of Windsor , in said County of Windsor , Sally Fitch , a resident of Reading , in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont , aged sixty four years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, approved February third A.D. 1853 entitled "An act granting Pensions to certain widows &c."
that she is the widow of Nathan Fitch deceased , who was a Revolutionary Soldier and a Pensioner and received his pay per annum at the Vermont Agency. She further says that her said husband was pensioned at rate of $66.77 per annum from the best of her recollection.
SHE FURTHER DECLARES that she was married to the said Nathan Fitch on the tenth day of January , in the year eighteen hundred and eight ; that her said husband, the aforesaid Nathan Fitch , died at Reading on the first day of September , A. D. 1832.
SHE FURTHER SWEARS that she was a widow at the passage of the said act, and is still a widow, and that she has never before made application for a pension.
Attest } E. A. Hill Nancy A. D. Hill
Sally Fitch mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written.
Before me, Salmon G. Dutton , Judge of Said Probate Court.
I, Salmon G. Dutton , Judge of the Court of Probate aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Sally Fitch for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office, at Cavendish in said District this twentieth day of April
A. D. 1853.
Salmon G. Dutton Judge of Said Probate Court.

I Walton Brown of Reading in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont of lawful age depose testify and say that I was acquainted with Nathan Fitch late of said Reading deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner and I further say that the said Fitch died at said Reading about twelve years since but am unable to state the particular month or day of his death. at the time of his death he left a widow by the name of Sally Fitch who is now living in said Reading and is still a widow.
Walton Brown
State of Vermont } At Reading in said County Windsor County } I personally appeared the above named Walton Brown and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed. before me. I further certify that he is well known to me as a man of truth and a credible witness.
J. Q. Hawkins Matter in Chancery

Know all Men by these Presents, that I, Sally Fletcher of Reading in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont and the widow of Nathan Fletcher deceased who was a Revolutionary Soldier, do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint Josiah L. Hawkins of Reading in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name to examine into and prosecute any claim for a pension &c., against the general Government, which may be due me by virtue of my deceased husband's service in the Revolutionary war, and the several acts of Congress, relative thereto, and to receive the certificate of pension, &c., when issued by the Department. I hereby confirm whatsoever my said attorney may do or cause to be legally done, either in person or by sub- stitute, in the prosecution of said claim, except drawing money in my favor. I hereby re- voke any other authority I may have given to any other person or persons, in the premises whatsoever.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty fourth day of March A. D. 185 3 .
Signed in presence of us,
Rowland H. Wilkins Ann E. Wilkins
her Sally X Fletcher mark
of said town, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
J March Town clerk
Sworn to before me this 24. day of March A.D. 1853
J. L. Hawkins Master in Chancery

State of Vermont } Be it remembered that at Windsor County } Windsor in the County of Windsor on the tenth day of January A. D. 1808 Nathan Fitch and Sally Wilkins both of Reading in the County of Windsor & State of Vermont were by me joined in Marriage
By me Elias Jones Justice Peace
The foregoing is a true copy of Record Attest J. Harich Town Clerk
I Levi Harich, above named, depose and say, that I hold the office of Town Clerk of Reading in the County and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town, with the exception above named, as certified by me. J. Harich Town Clerk
Sworn to before me this 24. day of March A.D. 1853
J. L. Nourse Master in Chancery

STATE OF VERMONT, } I, NORMAN WILLIAMS, Clerk of the Court of Chancery for the Windsor County, ss. } County of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that
Josiah L. Hawkins
is a MASTER IN CHANCERY, in and for said County, duly qualified to administer oaths and take the acknowl- edgment of deeds, and that his signatures foregoing on the papers attached - are is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name, and affix the seal of said Court of Chancery, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 21 st day of May - A. D. 1852.
Norman Williams, Clerk.

I Samuel Fitch of Rayston in the County of Worcester (and Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Aged eighty five years - do testify and say that in April 1775 I enlisted at Chelsea - for eight months service in the War of the Revolution - in Capt - Sprague's Company Col - Thayer's Regiment - Thayer's Company with two other Companies all under the command of Capt Richard Dodge acting as Major was stationed at Chelsea near Boston when I performed the duty of a private soldier about thirty days (and then my Brother Nathan Fitch who was at that time living in Reading Mass - took my place and was accepted as my Substitute by Captain Sprague - said Nathan served out my said term of enlistment (and was discharged late in December same year - I was living at Reading Mass. during the time of my brother's services as above - Saw him frequently during his service (and had personal knowledge of his performing the duties of a private soldier during the remainder of the term of my enlistment - after he was accepted as my Substitute as above - Reading is about ten miles from Chelsea - Dependant further testifies that the said Nathan Fitch enlisted into the service in the War of the Revolution at two other times besides the above - was marched to the South - but where, or how long he was in said service cannot now distinctly recollect - Samuel Fitch
Worcester ss. Commonwealth of Massachusetts - October 14. 1833 came before me - the above named Samuel Fitch and made Oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true (And I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Samuel Fitch - (and that he is a person of truth (and veracity - Franklin Gregory Justice Peace

Act March 3/53 63.023 Apr 12 - 1855
Sally Felch 15 Widow of Nathan Felch prio.
Applicant is a pensioner of the "Pension" - And refers to her declaration under Act June 7-1832 in Pension Office.
Also her declaration under 2 a sec - Act Feb. 3-1853 & receives $6.00 per annum.
Mass: Mil; Acq: 160 acres, Oct. 6 th 1855. The [unclear] Blyth. Buxton
Vol. F. 27. —
Adel Billings Woodstock Vt.

FORM OF WIDOW'S DECLARATION FOR BOUNTY LAND, NEW LAND.
State of Vermont } ss. On this 27 th day of March — County of Windsor }
one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid. Sally Welch ,
aged Sixty nine , years a resident of Hartford in the State of Vermont who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Nathan Welch , deceased, who was a private in
the Revolutionary War, and served as set forth in his declaration made under the act of June 7, 1832, reference being had to said files for further evidence - remaining in the pension office.
She further declares, that she made her declaration for a pension under the 2 d Section of the act of February 3, 1853 and was placed on the Pension List Roll of the St. Agency, at the rate of $67.77 per annum as per her pension certificate in her possession dated Sept. 12, 1853 and she would now refer the Pension Department to the files in their office, sent to obtain said pension, for evidence of her marriage to said Eli Willard, his service and death.
She further states that she was married to the said Nathan Welch — in Reading Vt —, on the 10 th — day of January — A. D., 1808 by one M c Jones a Justice of the Peace —, and that her name before her said marriage was Sally Williams —, that her said husband died at Reading Vt — on the first day of September —, A. D., 1839 and that she is now a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3d, 1855.
She also declares that she has not received a warrant for bounty land, under this, or any other act of Congress, nor made any other application therefor.
She requests this certificate when issued forwarded to Col Billings Esq of Woodstock Vt  Sally Welch  her mark
We Wm H. Fargo and Alzina A Fargo residents of Hartford — in the State of Vermont upon our oaths declare that the forgoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Sally Welch — in our presence, and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. We personally know she is now a widow. Wm H. Fargo  Alzina A. Fargo
The forgoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify, that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Col Billings Justice Peace.

STATE OF VERMONT,
WINDSOR COUNTY, ss.
I, NORMAN WILLIAMS, Clerk of the County Court, of the County of Windsor, in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that Col Billings was, at the date of the paper writing to which this is attached, and still is, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly qualified to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of deeds, and that his signature Forynning is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 7 th day of April A. D. 1855.
Norman Williams Clerk.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Nathan Fitch a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Apr 19. 1775 x Pvt. in Lexington Alarm Mass.   Apr. 1775 8 mos. Samuel Sprague Thayer   Dec 1776 3 mos. Abraham Gould Thatcher   May 1778 July 1779 { Standish Sumner Greaton  
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, _____
Reading Middlesex Co. Mass.
Date of application for pension, _____
Sept 6. 1832 His L. was al.
Residence at date of application, _____
Windsor Vermont
Age at date of application, _____
b. Apr 25-1758 at Reading Mass.
Remarks:
died Sept. 1 1839 at Reading Vermont
He married Jan'y 10. 1808 at Reading Vt. Sally Wilkins. She was al- lowed on an app of Apr 20. 1853, while a res. of Reading Vt. aged 64 years.
It is not stated that he served in the war 1812.
Respectfully,
brother Samuel Fitch
Commissioner.

Mid Hist. Co. Rev. Edw. A. Whitecomb, C. Coroner, St. Paul, Minn. 1916 Dec 26 Hist. to Hist. J. M. Nelson.
May 2/94
WIDOW, &c.
Rev.
File No. 542
Sally Welch.
Widow.
Nathan Welch.
Paris Rev. War.
Act: Feb. 3. 1853.
Index:—Vol. A , Page 233
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Madison Office, 6 th Sept. 1853,
Sir, Please Certify the time to which the Writton's annuity pendency was paid, or the date of his death.
Yours Respectfully,
S. Cole Acting Commissioner, Nathan Welch, act 1832, $67.77. p. an. — Due 3 rd Sept. 1839, Paid to his death.
F. Berch Auditor.
Francis Bunt Esq., Then Auditor General

Appt of Sally Selech widow of Nathan
Winton
Vermont 96777
18958
Act 3rd Sess 853 p. 67 77 Ru Act Com-Rev. Feb. 30 1853.
J. Z. Hawkins Reading Vermont
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Pension Office, Official Business

REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
O. W. & N. Div.
MEMORANDA.
Please supply as much as possible of the data called for below.
Full name of soldier:
Asa Hale
Place of residence before service: (Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Vermont
Place of residence after service: (Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Rutland Vermont
Date of death (as near as possible):
Dec 2 - 1843
Christian name of widow:
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
Remarks:
Your name and address:
E. H. Whitcomb M.D. St. Paul Minn

REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
O. W. & N. Div.
MEMORANDA.
no g. Please supply as much as possible of the data called for below.
Full name of soldier:
Nathan Felch
Place of residence before service: (Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Born at or near Warefield Mass
Place of residence after service: (Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Died at South Reading Vt
Date of death (as near as possible):
Sept 3 - 1839
Christian name of widow:
Mary (Chase) Felch
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
Remarks:
David and Nathl David from J Reading
Your name and address:
E. H. Houghton St Paul Minn

O. W. & N. DIV.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
F. S.
Washington, D. C.
Apr. 6, 1894
Respectfully returned to
Edward H. Whitcomb, St. Paul, Minn.
with the information that the courtesy of furnishing the military history of Revolutionary soldiers is extended by this Bureau when the same is desired by descendants for historical and genealogical purposes only, and then only when the soldier or his widow applied for pension, their papers being the principal source from which data is collected for a report. The history of not more than two soldiers can be furnished to each applicant because of the large number of such requests and the time and labor it is necessary to expend upon each report.
For purposes of identification the soldier's full name should be furnished, his place of residence before and after service (town, county, and State, if possible), and the christian name of his widow, if one survived him.
Please return all papers with your reply.
J. M. Leachman
Commissioner.

RECORD DIVISION
Department of the Interior BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Briefed by JFB Dec. 12, 19 16.
Claim No. _____
Certificate No. _____
Claimant _____
Soldier Nathan Felch.
Service Mass. War 1812.
Additional Service _____
No _____ claim, State records _____, 191
No claim, combination records _____, 191
REMARKS:
No 1812 or Old War. _____
W. F. Waite

FREE
Hon. L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.

No. 63023
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received April 12, 1855
Mathew Geleh Rev War
Warrant 7443-60-5's
Del Billings Aboodstock Of.

✓ 7443
Neo Acus

No 2041.
Sally Felch. Wid: of Nathan —
Set of Q. Hawkins Aug: 25 th 1853
Act Feb: 3 rd 1853,

Woodstock Vt April 9. 1855
Sir
I forward the application of Sally Welch Widow of Nathan Welch a Revolutionary Soldier in order to obtain Bounty land under 8 th Section of the Act of March 3. 1855
I am Respectfully your Ob t Ser. Ole Billings
Hon. L. P. Waldo Board of Pensions Washington City D o

8796 Mathew Felch
Admitted by Comm? Thomas M c S
E. Coolidge Esq Windsor Vt

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Nathan Felch which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? no XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? no XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? no XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Correct XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.”

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
† QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
As his name cannot be found on the rolls of Greaton's regiment, he must prove his service as directed in the explanatory note to Quere 14.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
27 June 1833
SIR :
I return herewith the papers in support of your  the claims of the persons whose names are hereto annexed.
These papers are in several respects defective. This  Each case is accompanied by a brief. The objections are contained in the negative answers, in red ink, given to the questions.
Particular attention should be paid to the accompanying regulations and to the explanatory notes subjoined to the brief.
The extraordinary press of business in this office, arising from the great number of claims under the act of June 7, 1832, has hitherto prevented us from attending to the applications sent by you. The investigation of the cases presented under this law has been difficult and laborious, and notwithstanding the greatest exertions have been made by this Department, an earlier attention to your business has been found impracticable.
The brief has been prepared to meet all cases, and thus to save the excessive labor which would otherwise be imposed upon the office, and which would consume so much time as to render the delay two fold greater than it now is in the investigation of claims and writing letters. This  Each case is considered correct in all respects except in relation to those questions to which a negative answer is affixed. No other alteration or addition will be required.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edward Comm d of Pensions
Nathan Fitch Esq Windsor Vt.

Filed

Brief in the case of Sally Felch, Widow of Nathan, Windsor County and State of Vermont , act 3 d Febry, 1853,
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.) -
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner, under the act of 7 th June, 1832,
Record evidence of marriage,
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
J. D. Hawkins, Esq., Reading, Pa. Name and residence of Agent
E. C. Boynton, Examining Clerk.

Augt. 6. 1852- Rec. to collector Nathan Welch's widow
first Buck for Renting D. 1. 1 Schwartz Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
Paid
3

South Reading Aug 2 nd 1852
Dear Sir the Widow of Nathan Felch requested me to assist her in the pension business she is pretty certain that he did not draw as much as he was in titled to I believe he was entitled on the list when they did not draw any pay for as teamster he served in the war some three years and a portion of it as teamster and drew between sixty and seventy dollars I suppose that he proved or declared for the whole time for this reason she wants the second search if any particular form is required please send me a Blank and much obliged he served in Massachusetts
Truly Yours
Thufus Buck

Windsor Vt. October 28 th 1833
To the Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Sir - The papers returned for proof of service, in the case of Nathan Felch, are herewith again transmitted, with such evidence as (I trust) will sustain his claim in full of the three terms declared upon.
In relation to the 6 fish - The eight months at Chelsea - I beg leave to remark that, while the evidence is strong to show service, it would seem, from the testimony of his brother Samuel, that Nathan served as a substitute to Samuel. It is obvious that the declarant did not recollect that circumstance. His general health and memory have very rapidly declined since he made his declaration, and I could hardly deem it right to place his uncertain recollections, as to this fact , before you - He has recollection as to it, and will declare again (if required) to his faint impression of memory that he was a substitute; but inasmuch as I suppose that the service only is to be proved, and denying that clearly made out, I have not put him to a supplemental declaration -
In relation to the nine months service in 1778, he has been unable to find any one of his comrades who can testify - In proof of this, the certificate of the Secy. of Mass. is deemed sufficient - In aid of this, Samuel Felch testifies that Nathan enlisted &c. two other times -
I am not sufficiently versed in the military economy of the revolutionary

war, to be able to show why he eventually entered Lybrand's Reg t , or on what usage the soldiers were so frequently transferred - I simply learn that it was a matter of frequent occurrence, and do suppose that the names of the commanders of the Comp y . & reg t , as stated on the certificate, represent those under whom he was first enrolled, as a mere recruit -
On the whole evidence, I am sanguine enough to believe his whole claim is well founded - If, however, it be not sufficiently established, I will devote myself to further efforts, although a great expense has been already incurred, and every exertion put forth where the slightest hope of attaining evidence existed -
Respectfully Yr. Ob t . Sv. Carlos Coolidge

I Joseph Damon of Reading in the County of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts being seventy four years of age do depose and say that, in December A.D. 1776 I enlisted into the service of the United States in the Revolutionary War for three months in the Company commanded by Col. Abraham Gould of Stoneham in said County in Col. Shatlers Regiment, of which Lieut. Col. Howe was an officer, & Marched to Providence R. Island, and there joined Gen. Lincoln's Brigade and remained there a few days and then Marched from thence through Norwalk, and Hartford to Danbury, in the State of Connecticut, where we remained a short time & then marched to White Plains and there remained near a week, there we were marched to a place called Saratoga, and there performed duty a few days, from thence we Marched in the night to a place (the name of which I do not now distinctly recollect) near a British Post. Fort Independence, not far from Kings Bridge our object being then to take the Fort but having failed, we returned again to Saratoga, thence our Regiment was detached from the Brigade and ordered to the Jerseys, & Marched to Kings Ferry, & crossed the River and there into the state of New Jersey passing around by the high lands we came to Roway and to other places in the said State of New Jersey and when our time of three months expired we were regularly discharged at Roway in March following. During which time I was well acquainted with Nathan Folsom who then lived in Reading, in that part of the Town which has since been incorporated into a town by the name of South Reading, but has since removed from that place and now lives in Windsor in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, who enlisted into the aforesaid service & Marched with me and served in the same Company with me during the said three months and was then regularly discharged with me at said Roway in March following. October 15. A.D. 1833. Joseph Damon
State of Massachusetts County of Middlesex ss. On this 15 th day of October A.D. 1833 Personally appeared the above named Joseph Damon and made oath that the facts stated in the foregoing Deposition by him sub- scribed were true according to his best knowledge & belief & I further certify that said Joseph Damon is a highly credible witness. Before me Joshua Prescott Jus. Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Middlesex Ss. I Elias Phinney Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, being a Court of records in said County of Middlesex, do certify that Joshua Prescott Esquire, is a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Middlesex, and that his name subscribed to the within certificate is his own proper & genuine signature —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court the 19 th Day of October 1833.
E. Phinney.

I Cornelius Sweetser of South Reading, (which was former- ly a part of the Town of Reading but now incorporated into a town by the name of South Reading,) in the County of Middle- sex and State of Massachusetts being eighty three years of age do testify & say that in December A.D. 1776 I enlisted into the service of the United States in the Revolutionary war for the term of three months, in the Company commanded by Col. Abraham Gould of Stone- ham in said County in the Regiment of which I was then Col. & Slave Lieut. Col. & Marched Through Roxbury in the Coun- ty of Norfolk to Providence R. Island, where we joined Gen. Lin- coln's Brigade and remained there a few days, and Marched thence through Norwich & Hartford to Danbury (Conn.) where we remained a short time, & thence we marched to White Plains where we remained about a week, thence we marched to Sarrytown where we performed duty a few days and marched in the night from that place to a British Port Fort Independence near Kings Bridge, our object being then to take the Fort, but having failed we returned back to Sarrytown & then our Regiment alone was ordered to New Jersey, & march- ed to Kings Ferry & crossed it and went by the high lands & came to Haverstraw if I remember correctly and performed duty there and other places in New Jersey and in March when our term of three months expired our company was discharged at said Haverstraw.
During which time I was well acquainted with Nathan Folsom who then lived near me in said Reading (now South Reading) but who has since removed and now lives in Windsor in the County of Windsor & State of Vermont, & who enlisted in the same Company with me for said three months and March- ed and performed Military duty with me in the same Com- pany during said three months and was at the expiration thereof discharged with me at said Haverstraw.
October. 15 th A.D. 1833.
Cornelius Sweetser
mark
State of Massachusetts
County of Middlesex ss. On this 15 th day of October A.D. 1833 Personally appeared the above named Cornelius Sweetser & made oath that the facts stated in the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed were true according to his best knowledge & belief. And I further testi- fy that said Sweetser is a credible witness.
Before me Joshua Prescott Jus. Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Middlesex ss. I Elias Rimney Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, being a Court of records for said County, do certify that Joshua Priscott Esquire, is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County, & that his name subscribed to the within Certificate is his own proper & genuine signature. —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Court, the 19th day of Oct r 1833. —
E. Rimney

I Oliver Walton of South Reading in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Seventy five years, do testify and say that in the eleventh year of the reign of King George the Second, to wit in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty five I enlisted for the term of eight months in the company of Col. Samuel Sprague in the Regiment of Col. Gernish or formerly commanded by him, of Ipswich not that Col. Spragues comp. was stationed at Chelsea and continued there during said term of time in which I enlisted for, was then discharged & returned home, I do further testify and say that I was well acquainted with Nathan Fitch of said Reading who enlisted about the same time and served the said term of eight months, said Fitch afterwards removed to Reading in the County of Windsor State of Vermont & reside, at Windsor in said County & to the present time as I have been informed, I further testify & say that I am well acquainted with James Hill formerly of Reading, who now reside, in Stoneham in said County of Middlesex, who also was in Col. Spragues Company & continued for the term of eight months & was also stationed at Chelsea & was discharged at the same time at the expiration of said eight months.
Oliver Walton
State of Massachusetts
County of Middlesex ss. On this twentieth day of September A.D. 1833 personally appeared the above named Oliver Walton and made oath that the facts stated in the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed was true, according to his best knowledge and belief. And I further certify that said Walton is a credible witness.
before me John Weston Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex ss. I Elias Thurney clerk of the court of Common Pleas being a court of record in said county, do certify that John Weston Esq. is a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Middlesex, and that his name set to the within certificate is his own, true & proper signature
In witness testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said court the 21 st day of September 1833.
E. Thurney.

I James Hill of Stoneham in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged twenty six do testify & say that, in the forepart of May 1875 according to my best recollection I enlisted for the term of eight months in the Company of Capt. Samuel Hagan in the Regiment of Col. Pierce, or Company C, 1st Regt. Mass. Light Capt. Hagan's Company was stationed at Chelsea & continued there during the said term of eight months, was then discharged & returned home, I do further testify & say that, I was well acqu- ainted with Nathan Fales of Reading in said County of Middlesex & Commonwealth aforesaid, that he was in said Company of Capt. Hagan's during the whole term of eight months as nearly as I have understood stationed at Chelsea as aforesaid, and was discharged at the end of said term of time.
James Hill
State of Massachusetts } ss. County of Middlesex }
On this nineteenth
day of September A.D. 1883 personally appeared the above named James Hill and made oath that the facts stated in the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed were true, according to his best knowledge and belief. And I further certify that said Hill is a credible witness and worthy of the fullest credit.
before me John Weston Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Middlesex ss. I Elias Thurney Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, being a Court of record in said County do certify that John Weston Esqr is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County, and that his name subscribed to the within Certificates is his own, true & proper signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court the 21 st day of September 1833.
E. Thurney

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Sept r 25 th 1833.
* hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Nathan Fitch is borne on Rolls and has served under the following
   Officers, Viz: Term of service as on the Rolls   Captains Colonels When entered ended Claimed found not found Where   M o d ys M o d ys m o d ys Station'd     John Walton Green 1775 April 19 th 10 10 Concord   Sam l Sprague Thayer 1775 ditto 8. 8. Cambridge   Ab m Gould Thatcher 1776 Dec r 3. 3. Chelsea   Cundry Fox 1778 July 27 arrived 9 9 N o York   { From Reading Town Roll. 20.10 9.10 11.00 Fishkill  
Nathan Fitch claims service under Capt m Sam l Sprague, in Col o Thayers Reg t for Eight months, in 1775. - Capt Sam l Spragues Company under Col o Baldwin from May to Aug t 1775 has the name of Sam l Fitch a private, as having served from June 10 th 1775 to August 1775. and no other name of Fitch thereon.
Edward D Bangs
End L

In the claim of Sally Welch for Pension under act Feb. 3 d 1853 having been suspended for proof
Additional Affidavits
J. L. Howkins Attorney
Reading Vermont

STATE OF VERMONT, ) I, NORMAN WILLIAMS, Clerk of the Court of Chancery, for the Windsor County, ss. ) County of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that
Isiah I. Hawkins
is a MASTER IN CHANCERY, in and for said County, duly qualified to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of deeds, and that his signature on the
papers attached - three in number are  is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court of Chancery, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 31 st day of
August
A. D. 1853
Norman Williams, Clerk.
State of Vermont } At Reading this Windsor County ss. } 29. day of August A.D. 1853 - personally appeared before me William Wilkins and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed. I further say that he is a man well known to me as a man of truth and a credible witness. I. I. Hawkins } Master in Chancery
I Lewis Hawkins of Reading in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont testify and say that I am well acquainted with Widow Sally Welch now a resident of said Reading, who is the widow of the identical Nathan Welch late of said Read- ing deceased who was a Revolutionary Pen- sioner of the State of Vermont. I further say that the said Sally's name previous to her marriage with the said Nathan Welch

I William Wilkins of Reading in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont testify and say, That I am well acquainted with Sally Welch of said Reading who is the widow of the identical Nathan Welch who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the State of Vermont, and late of said Reading deceased. I further say that the said Sally Welch's name previous to her marriage with the said Nathan Welch was Sally Wilkins , and that she is still a widow.
William Wilkins
State of Vermont } At Reading this Windsor County ss } 27. day of August A.D. 1853 - personally appeared before me William Wilkins and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed. I further say that he is a man well known to me as a man of truth and a credible witness. J. D. Hawkins } Master in Chancery
I Lewis Hawkins of Reading in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont testify and say that I am well acquainted with Widow Sally Welch now a resident of said Reading, who is the widow of the identical Nathan Welch late of said Reading deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the State of Vermont. I further say that the said Sally's name previous to her marriage with the said Nathan Welch

was Sally Wilkins - and that she is still a widow. Lewis Hawkins
State of Vermont } At Reading this 29. day Windsor County ss } of August A.D. 1853 personally appeared before me Lewis Haw- kins and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed I further certify that he is a man known to me as a man of truth and a credible witness -
J. D. Hawkins Master in Chancery
I Solomon Keyes of Reading in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont testify and say, that I am well acquainted with Sally Welch now a resident of said Rea Reading, who is the widow of the identical Nathan Welch late of said Reading deceased who was a Rev- olutionary Pensioner of the State of Vermont - I further say that the Sally's name previous to her marriage with the said Nathan Welch was Sally Wilkins - and that she is still a widow -
Solomon Keyes Master in Chancery
State of Vermont } At Reading this 29. day of Aug- Windsor County ss } ust 1853 personally appeared before me Solomon Keyes and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him sub- scribed - I further certify that he is a man well known to me as a man of truth & a credible witness -
J. D. Hawkins Master in Chancery

Joseph Emerson of Rayahston in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Aged Eighty three years testify (and say) that in December 1776 I enlisted as Orderly Sergeant in Captain Abraham Goulds Company of Stoneham - Nathaniel Gowdy of Reading Lieutenant - Stephen Richardson of Woburn Ensign - I enlisted at Reading Mass (and at the same time Nathan Fitch - then of Reading - enlisted into said Goulds Company for three months Service (and) marched with me in said Company from Medford to Providence R.I. tarried there a short time from thence marched to Danbury - Con. From thence to White Plains - From thence to Elizabethtown in the Jerseys - From thence through Newark to Raraway near Amboy - there we tarried until the morning our time of enlistment expired (and) were driven off - between break of Day (and) sun rise by the enemy - said Nathan Fitch performed the duty of a private Soldier during the whole term of enlistment - said Goulds Company was in Col. Thatcher's Regiment - Deprecant further testifies that it was the common report in Reading that said Nathan Fitch performed eight months Service in the War of the Revolution at Chelsea - in 1775 - Joseph Emerson
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester County ss. October 14. 1833
Came before me - the above named Joseph Emerson - (and) made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true - And I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Joseph Emerson (and) know him to be a man of truth (and) veracity
Franklin Gregory Justice Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester, ss.
I, Joseph G. Kendall, clerk of the Judicial Courts of the County of Worcester, do certify, that Franklin Gregory, Esquire, before whom the foregoing and annexed Depositions of Samuel Welch and Joseph Emerson were sworn to, is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Worcester - and that his signature to the respective certificates of the oaths of said Deponents appears to be in his own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand, and affix the County Seal, at Worcester, this fifteenth day of October, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
Joseph G. Kendall Clerk

McKeon

Rev Sec 2/2
NEWTON F. McKEON 656 EAST TWENTY-SIXTH STREET PATERSON, N. J.
Dec. 9, 1916.
U. S. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
W542 Revolution and also the war of 1812, and information I have indicates that he drew a pension as the result of such service. He was from Reading, Mass.
I am exceedingly anxious to obtain a copy of his military record. Will you kindly advise me the proper procedure to take so that I may secure this information?
Yours very truly,
N. F. McKeon

OFFICE OF CORONER,
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINN.
E. H. WHITCOMB, CORONER.
St. Paul, Minn., March 29 th 1894
U.S. Pension Service Wash D.C.
Dear Sir - Can you furnish me with - listing of service, enlistment rank - place of birth & death of Asa Hall of Vermont or any member of the Hall family of Vermont or Conn. who may have served in the Revolution. The data are required by the Daughters of the Revolution.
Enclosed find sketch & will remit any fee necessary to cover expense of record search etc. Yours Truly
Edward Hale Whitcomb
P.S. Have been referred to you by the Historian of the Ass.